Evidence of abnormal anteroposterior patellar tilt in patients with patellar tendinitis with use of a new radiographic measurement

The Sagittal Tibial Tubercle-Trochlear Groove Distance as a Measurement of Sagittal Imbalance in Patients with Symptomatic Patellofemoral Chondral Lesions

Objective. To measure the sagittal alignment of the tibial tubercle through the sagittal tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (sTTTG) distance in patients with and without patellar chondral lesions. Design. Patients treated with patellofemoral cartilage restoration or repair procedures were retrospectively reviewed (group 1; N = 17). A control group of patients (group 2; N = 20) undergoing partial meniscectomy with normal patellar cartilage was included. An asymptomatic patellar chondrosis group (group 3; N = 15) was identified as patients undergoing partial meniscectomy with patellar cartilage wear. The sTTTG was measured on the preoperative axial T₂ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence. The first point was the nadir of the anterior trochlear cartilage, and the second point was the anterior tibial tubercle. A line was drawn between these points, perpendicular to the posterior condylar axis. Comparisons were made between the 3 groups using analysis of variance testing with Bonferroni corrections. Significance was defined as P < 0.05. Results. The mean sTTTG was significantly more posterior in group 1 (5.9 ± 5.5 mm posterior to the trochlear groove) relative to group 2 (0.8 ± 5.3 mm posterior; P = 0.018). The mean value for group 3 (2.7 ± 5.3 mm posterior) fell between group 1 and 3 but was not significantly different from group 1 (P = 0.31) or group 2 (P = 0.89). There were no significant differences with regards to sulcus angle, Caton-Deschamps Index, TTTG, or knee flexion angle on the MRI scan. Conclusions. A more posteriorly positioned tibial tubercle was observed in patients with patellar cartilage lesions relative to those with intact patellar cartilage. Intermediate positioning was observed in patients with asymptomatic patellar chondral wear. Level of Evidence. Level 3 diagnostic study.

Sagittal patellar flexion angle measurement determines greater incidence of patella alta in patellar tendinopathy patients

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to compare patellar height and patella alta between a control cohort and patients with patellar tendinopathy by the sagittal patellar flexion angle (SPFA) measurement.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the knee were obtained from a sports imaging facility and screened to select patients with anterior knee pain. This symptomatic group was divided into two patient cohorts: those with and without MRI features of patellar tendinopathy. Lateral knee radiographs were reviewed and SPFA, knee flexion angle and Insall-Salvati ratio (IS) were measured from the radiographs by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients consisting of 48 patellar tendinopathy patients and 51 control patients were included. There was a significantly higher mean patellar height (p = 0.002, d = 0.639) and a greater patella alta incidence in the patellar tendinopathy cohort (25.0%) compared to the controls (3.9%) (p = 0.022, d = 0.312). Insall-Salvati ratio measurements showed no difference in patella alta incidence between tendinopathy and control cohorts. There was excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability of SPFA measurements (ICC 0.99).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to demonstrate a greater incidence of patella alta in patellar tendinopathy patients compared to controls. A greater patella alta incidence amongst patellar tendinopathy patients as defined by SPFA was found to be clinically relevant, as it suggests these patients may comprise the recalcitrant patient subgroup who do not improve with current surgical intervention and may therefore benefit from a biomechanical surgical solution.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Distalising tibial tubercle osteotomy decreases patellar tendon force - A treatment rationale for recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy

BACKGROUND

Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse condition affecting athletes, often with a high morbidity if left untreated. High-level evidence fails to support the use of surgery. A tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) has been suggested as a surgical option to improve patient outcomes. Our aim was to explore whether a distalising TTO will alter the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio and the sagittal patellar tilt.

METHODS

Six cadaver limbs were placed in a custom jig with a mechanical testing machine applying cyclical loads of 200-500 N to the quadriceps tendon. The knee was fixed at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90° of flexion and a buckle transducer recorded the resultant patellar tendon force. Testing was performed with the native tibial tubercle position and with the tubercle distalised by 11 mm. Testing was also performed with the tubercle anteriorised by 10 mm at both of these tubercle positions, a total of four different testing positions.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio from 30-60° of knee flexion. There was a significant increase in the sagittal patellar tilt at 30° of knee flexion with distalisation.

CONCLUSION

This biomechanical study shows that the patellar tendon to quadriceps tendon force ratio can be altered with a distalising tibial tubercle osteotomy. A tibial tubercle osteotomy may be a biomechanical treatment option for recalcitrant patellar tendinopathy by decreasing the load through the patellar tendon, allowing the athlete to maintain higher training volumes and loads.

Sagittal patellar flexion angle: a novel clinically validated patellar height measurement reflecting patellofemoral kinematics useful throughout knee flexion

PURPOSE

Patellar height measurements on lateral radiographs are dependent on knee flexion which makes standardisation of measurements difficult. This study described a plain radiographic measurement of patellar sagittal height which reflects patellofemoral joint kinematics and can be used at all degrees of flexion.

METHODS

The study had two parts. Part one involved 44 normal subjects to define equations for expected patellar position based on the knee flexion angles for three new patellar height measurements. A mixed model regression with random effect for individual was used to define linear and polynomial equations for expected patellar position relating to three novel measurements of patella height: (1) patellar progression angle (trochlea), (2) patellar progression angle (condyle) and (3) sagittal patellar flexion. Part two was retrospective and involved applying these measurements to a surgical cohort to identify differences between expected and measured patellar position pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS

All three measurements provided insight into patellofemoral kinematics. Sagittal patellar flexion was the most useful with the least residual error, was the most reliable, and demonstrated the greatest detection clinically.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinically applied radiographic measurements have been described for patellar height which reflect the sagittal motion of the patella and can be used regardless of the degree of flexion in which the radiograph was taken. The expected sagittal patellar flexion linear equation should be used to calculate expected patellar height.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Evaluation of Intrinsic Biomechanical Risk Factors in Patellar Tendinopathy: A Retrospective Radiographic Case-Control Series

Background

Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse condition often affecting athletes. It has been postulated that patellar tendinopathy is associated with patella alta; however, this and any other anatomic risk factors have not been identified.

Purpose

To explore whether lever arm differences from radiographic measurements exist between patients with and without tendinopathy. This may provide surgeons with a simple radiographic means to identify patients at risk.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the knee from a sports imaging facility were screened and reviewed to identify 2 groups of patients: those with and those without imaging signs of patellar tendinopathy. The lateral radiographs were reviewed and measurements made to determine (1) lever arm ratio, (2) moment arm ratio, (3) angle between the moment and line of pull of the patellar tendon, (4) patellar tendon pivot point angle, and (5) patellar height (alta). Measurements were obtained directly from radiographs. The images and measurements were reviewed by 2 experienced orthopaedic clinicians.

Results

A total of 105 patients were included in this study: 52 with patellar tendinopathy and 53 without patellar tendinopathy (controls). The mean age was similar between groups (23 years); females accounted for 8 of 52 patients with patellar tendinopathy and 24 of 53 patients without. The lever arm ratio in the group with patellar tendinopathy versus controls was 1.71 versus 1.01 (P = .01), with a moment arm difference of 1.00 versus 0.80 (P < .01), respectively. There was no difference detected between groups for patellar tendon angle, patellar tendon pivot point angle, knee flexion angle, or incidence of patella alta. No correlation was found with our measurements and the Insall-Salvati ratio. Statistical analysis was also performed according to sex, and a statistically significant difference between groups was found for differences in lever arm ratio and moment arm.

Conclusion

The lever arm ratio and moment arm ratio from lateral radiographs were significantly different between patients with and without patellar tendinopathy. Further study is needed on the biomechanical implications of the pivot point and how altering it can affect stress within the patellar tendon, patellofemoral joint, and associated clinical outcomes.

Biomechanics of the knee extensor mechanism and its relationship to patella tendinopathy: A review

The term jumpers knee for patella tendinitis, as coined by Dr. Martin Blazina, is now commonly referred to as tendinopathy. He believed it was associated with patella alta. Since then multiple studies have failed to reliably show an association between patella tendinopathy and associated intrinsic risk factors. There is, unfortunately, a well-established doctrine that the extensor mechanism is simply a pulley. The goal of the review is to examine the biomechanics of the extensor mechanism and apply this to studies investigating intrinsic risk factors for patella tendinopathy. A better understanding of the biomechanics of the extensor mechanism may stimulate the discovery of intrinsic risk factors for developing patella tendinopathy, and subsequent surgical options to address them. Clinical significance: The aim of this review is to direct future research into biomechanical risk factors for developing patella tendinopathy and subsequently, possible treatments. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3105-3112, 2018.

Anatomical study of the inferior patellar pole and patellar tendon

In this study, detailed investigations into the shape of the inferior patellar pole, the site of the patellar tendon attachment, and the length and course of the patellar tendon were performed with the aim of examining the anatomical factors involved in the developmental mechanism of patellar tendinitis. The investigation examined 100 legs from 50 cadavers. The inferior patellar pole was classified into three types: pointed, intermediate, and blunt. The attachment of the patellar tendon to the inferior patellar pole was classified into two types: an anterior and a posterior. The length of the patellar tendon was measured from the tibial tuberosity to the inferior patellar pole. The pointed type was seen in 57% of legs, the intermediate type in 21%, and the blunt type in 22%. Twenty-one legs were the pointed type, as well as the anterior type. The patellar tendon was significantly shorter with the posterior type than with the anterior type. The blunt type also had a significantly shorter patellar tendon than the pointed type. In legs that were both the pointed type and the anterior type, the inferior patellar pole and the proximal posterior surface of the patellar tendon impinged during knee flexion due to the posterior tilt of the patella, suggesting the possibility that this may induce damage. With the posterior type and blunt type, on the other hand, the possibility of strong tensile stress on the tendon fibers of the posterior facet of the inferior patellar pole was suggested.

Physiological sagittal plane patellar kinematics during dynamic deep knee flexion

PURPOSE

Lateral radiographic views can be easily taken and have reveal considerable information about the patella. The purpose of this study was to obtain sagittal plane patellar kinematics data through the entire range of knee flexion under weight-bearing conditions.

METHODS

Patellar flexion angles relative to the femur and tibia and anterior-posterior and proximal-distal translations of the patella relative to the femur and tibia were measured from 0 to 165° knee flexion in nine healthy knees using dynamic radiographic images.

RESULTS

The patella flexed relative to the femur and tibia by two thirds times and one third times the knee flexion angle, respectively. The patella translated in an arc relative to the femur and tibia as the knee flexed. In early flexion, the superior and centroid points translated anteriorly and then the patella translated posteriorly relative to the femur. All three points of the patella translated posteriorly relative to the tibia during a full range of flexion. An average of four and three millimetres proximal patellar translation relative to the tibia was demonstrated from 0 to 20° and 140 to 160° knee flexion, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiological sagittal plane patellar kinematics, including patellar flexion angles and translations relative to the femur and tibia, showed generally similar patterns for each subject. Measurements of dynamic radiographic images under weight-bearing activities may enhance the opportunity to identify patellar pathological conditions.

Infrapatellar fat pad size, but not patellar alignment, is associated with patellar tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is one of the most common overuse injuries of the knee. Recent reports indicate that increased body mass is frequently associated with tendinopathy, not only biomechanically but biochemically. Abnormalities of other structures within the knee extensor mechanism [patellofemoral joint (PFJ) alignment and patellar tendon length] that can directly influence the strain distribution of the patellar tendon are inconsistently implicated in PT. The aim of this study was to compare the infrapatellar fat pad volume, patellar tendon length and PFJ alignment in people with chronic PT and a group of age-, gender-, height-, and activity-matched controls with normal tendons. Axial magnetic resonance (MR) images, from 26 participants with PT and 28 control participants were obtained. Fat pad size, patellar tendon length and PFJ alignment were measured digitally from the MR images, using measurement software, and the results compared between the PT group and control group. People with PT had a significantly larger fat pad than healthy controls when controlled for height (P=0.04). Patellar tendon length was not significantly different between groups (P=0.16), nor were there between-group differences for the measures of PFJ alignment (P=0.07-0.76). Thus, the infrapatellar fat pad may play an important role in PT.

Differential forces within the proximal patellar tendon as an explanation for the characteristic lesion of patellar tendinopathy: an in vivo descriptive experimental study

BACKGROUND

Patellar tendinopathy is a common condition affecting the posterior region of the proximal patellar tendon, but the reason for this typical location remains unclear.

HYPOTHESIS

The posterior region of the proximal patellar tendon is subjected to greater tendinous forces than is the corresponding anterior region.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive laboratory study.

METHOD

An optic fiber technique was used to detect forces in both the anterior and the posterior regions of the proximal patellar tendon in 7 healthy persons. The optic fiber force sensor works on the principle of the amplitude modulation of transmitted light when the optic fiber is geometrically altered owing to the forces acting on it. Longitudinal strain in the tendon or ligament produces a negative transverse strain, thus causing a force that effectively squeezes the optic fiber. Measurements were recorded during the following exercises: closed kinetic chain quadriceps contraction (eccentric and concentric), open kinetic chain quadriceps contraction (eccentric and concentric), a step exercise, and a jump exercise.

RESULTS

During all the exercises, the peak differential signal output in the posterior location of the proximal patellar tendon was greater than in the corresponding anterior location. The greatest differential signal output was found in the jump and squat exercises.

CONCLUSION

The posterior region of the proximal patellar tendon is subjected to greater tendinous forces than is the corresponding anterior region. This finding supports the tensile-overload theory of patellar tendinopathy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Jump activities and deep squat exercises expose the patellar tendon to very large tendinous forces.

Accuracy of biplane x-ray imaging combined with model-based tracking for measuring in-vivo patellofemoral joint motion

BACKGROUND

Accurately measuring in-vivo motion of the knee's patellofemoral (PF) joint is challenging. Conventional measurement techniques have largely been unable to accurately measure three-dimensional, in-vivo motion of the patella during dynamic activities. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new model-based technique for measuring PF joint motion.

METHODS

To assess the accuracy of this technique, we implanted tantalum beads into the femur and patella of three cadaveric knee specimens and then recorded dynamic biplane radiographic images while manually flexing and extending the specimen. The position of the femur and patella were measured from the biplane images using both the model-based tracking system and a validated dynamic radiostereometric analysis (RSA) technique. Model-based tracking was compared to dynamic RSA by computing measures of bias, precision, and overall dynamic accuracy of four clinically-relevant kinematic parameters (patellar shift, flexion, tilt, and rotation).

RESULTS

The model-based tracking technique results were in excellent agreement with the RSA technique. Overall dynamic accuracy indicated errors of less than 0.395 mm for patellar shift, 0.875 degrees for flexion, 0.863 degrees for tilt, and 0.877 degrees for rotation.

CONCLUSION

This model-based tracking technique is a non-invasive method for accurately measuring dynamic PF joint motion under in-vivo conditions. The technique is sufficiently accurate in measuring clinically relevant changes in PF joint motion following conservative or surgical treatment.

RADIOGRAPHIC AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE PATELLAR LIGAMENT FOLLOWING TIBIAL PLATEAU LEVELING OSTEOTOMY

Objective evaluation of patellar ligament changes following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) for cranial cruciate ligament injury has not been published to date. In this study, the patellar ligament was evaluated using radiographs and high-resolution ultrasound in 31 stifles (29 dogs) preoperatively and at 1 month (n=31), 2 months (n=18), and 6 months (n=13) postTPLO. A ratio of the thickness of the proximal to distal patellar ligament was determined for all radiographs evaluated. Ultrasound evaluation included proximal, middle, and distal mid-sagittal thickness and transverse thickness, and transverse area measurements. Subjective grading (0 being normal through a scale of 3) of the ultrasound changes was also performed at each evaluation. Significant thickening of the distal patellar ligament was noted postoperatively as evidenced by thickness and area measurements and a decreased radiographic ratio (P < 0.01). Preoperative patellar ligament thickness and area were similar at the proximal, middle and distal sites. Ultrasound-derived thickness and area measurements of the distal patellar ligament were increased at 1 and 2 months (P < 0.01). The radiographic ratio was significantly decreased at 1, 2 and 6 months (P < 0.01). Subjectively, all patellar ligaments scored a 0 preoperatively and 16/31 received a score of 2 or 3 during follow-up evaluation. Additionally, these dogs had ultrasonographic and radiographic changes consistent with distal patellar ligament thickening. Body weight (kg) and postoperative TPLO angle had a significant influence on 1-month postoperative distal patellar ligament area using a stepwise logistic model (P < 0.05). Patellar ligament desmitis is a common postoperative sequela to the TPLO procedure, however its clinical significance (i.e., correlation with a residual lameness) was not evaluated in this study.

Patellar tendinopathy in athletes: current diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations

Formerly known as 'jumper's knee', patellar tendinopathy gives rise to considerable functional deficit and disability in recreational as well as professional athletes. It can interfere with their performance, often perseveres throughout the sporting career and may be the primary cause to end it. The diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy is primarily a clinical one but new imaging techniques, such as Doppler ultrasonography, may provide additional diagnostic value. Current therapeutic protocols are characterised by wide variability ensuing from anecdotal experience rather than evidence. Moreover, numerous reports in recent years have shattered previous doctrines and dogmatic belief on tendon overuse. Histopathological and biochemical evidence has indicated that the underlying pathology of tendinopathy is not an inflammatory tendinitis but a degenerative tendinosis. Consequently, pain in chronic patellar tendinopathy is not inflammatory in nature, but its exact origin remains unexplained. In pursuit of pathology- and evidence-based management, conservative therapy should be shifted from anti-inflammatory strategies towards a complete rehabilitation with eccentric tendon strengthening as a key element. If conservative management fails, surgery is opted for. However, considering the heterogeneity of surgical procedures and the absence of randomised studies, no conclusive evidence can be drawn from the literature regarding the effectiveness of surgical treatment for patellar tendinopathy. Parallel with the improved knowledge on the pathophysiology and pain mechanisms in patellar tendinopathy, new treatment strategies are expected to emerge in the near future.

Patellar tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy is a common and serious condition in athletes. Although there have been many advances in the understanding of the histopathology, imaging, and surgical outcomes in this condition in the past decade, successful management of athletes with patellar tendinopathy remains a major challenge for both the practitioner and patient. There is a definite need for further prospective studies into etiological factors and randomized controlled trials into treatment choices.